A Look at the Seiko 5 Sports “Rally Diver” Watch
Wednesday - 28 June 2023
The new Seiko 5 Sports “Rally Diver” watch is based on a popular 1969 model and features the instantly recognisable chequered flag bezel – this time in grey and black – as well as all the key features of the popular 5 Sports watch series.
The Seiko Rally Diver watch was considered a highly collectable timepiece during the late 1960s and 1970s. The watch took its name “Rally” after its chequered-style bezel, which gave the sports watch a resolutely striking appeal thanks to its resemblance to a chequered flag. The different colourways of the Rally Diver paid homage to the vibrant rally cars of that period. Whilst many watch collectors may refer to some of Seiko’s boldly coloured Sports Diver watches as “Rally” watches, the true Rally Diver watches are those with the distinct chequered bezel. There were five Rally Diver watches released by Seiko over a four-year period and these all featured a tonneau-shaped case crafted from stainless steel topped with a wide knurled bezel.
First issued with 6106 movements, the original watches did not have the 5 logo on their dials. The 6106-7117 models had silver dial variants that were followed by the 6106-8227 and 6106-8229 models - both of which featured a flat black dial with a minute track adorned with alternating blue and silver checks. These models also featured central hands with a striped finish and were paired with a vivid orange central second hand. Then came the 6119 models with an almost vertical design to the original 6106s but with a 5 logo on the dial. The 6119-7170 was the only Japanese domestic model and boasted a silver dial with a black bezel. Now, Seiko is releasing a new Diver Rally watch as part of the 5 Sports watch collection. Its bezel looks a little different to the models from decades ago but still resembles a chequered pattern with wider sections albeit in colours of black and grey to match the elements of the dial. Make no mistake, this is not an evolution of the original but the next chapter of the Rally Diver saga.
The new Seiko 5 Sports “Rally Diver” watch
The design of the new Seiko 5 Sports Rally Diver watch pays tribute to the 5 Sports watches from the 1960s with a look that combines newness and heritage. The dial and hands have had a makeover and are newly designed, working well with the retro-inspired styling of the watch. Based on the SKX series, this Seiko watch has a traditional case construction made from stainless steel that is topped with a bezel that resembles the original Rally watch. Flipping the watch over reveals the Special Edition reference engraved upon the surface of a stainless steel caseback. This model, in particular, is designed on an original Rally Diver watch which goes by the reference of 5126-8130. It also reflects the key 5 features of the 5 Sports design including a day-date feature, a suitable water-resistant rating, a screw-down crown at 4 o’clock and an automatic winding movement. It measures a 42.5mm diameter and features a knurled bezel that compliments the design of the black and grey chequered bezel. The bezel frames a dark grey sunray-effect dial adorned with baton hour markers and straight hands that are striped.
As with all Seiko 5 Sports watches, this “New Rally Diver” watch is treated with plenty of Lumibrite material on its hour track and the central hands themselves. A shot of vibrant red is afforded in the central seconds hand just like the original 1969 model from which it takes its inspiration from. The day and date function, combined into one singular window is set against a stealthy black background for enhancing legibility. It accompanies the “Automatic” lettering in a vintage font in blue at 6 o’clock, as well as the crisp black Seiko logo at 12 o’clock. All features on the dial of this new Seiko Rally Diver watch are protected by a curved Hardlex crystal glass front. As well as the engraved “Special Edition” lettering on the back of the case, the new Rally Diver watch is also fitted with a see-through exhibition caseback that grants a clear view into the performance of the Calibre 4R36 – an automatic winding movement that has been used vastly throughout the brand’s catalogue of robust sports tools. The movement, once fully wound, produces a power reserve of 41 hours, enabling you to remove the watch from the wrist over the course of a weekend and return to find it has kept perfect timing.
Additional features of the new Seiko 5 Sports “Rally Diver” Special Edition watch include a 100-meter water resistance and an integrated stainless steel bracelet with links finishes in a polished and brushed technique. The stainless steel bracelet also secures to the underside of the wrist with a folding clasp marked with the Seiko lettering. For more information on the new Rally Diver watch from the 5 Sports series, equipped with its striking black and grey chequered effect bezel, you can call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team on 01335 453453.
